The inaugural session of the Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus was held under the patronage of Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasooriya. Deputy Committee Chairman MP Hemali Weerasekara and the Secretary General of Parliament, Kushani Rohanadeera.
At the session, the Minister of Women and Child Affairs, Hon. Saroja Savitri Paulraj, was elected as the Chairperson of the Caucus. Her nomination, proposed by MP Samanmali Gunasinghe and seconded by MP Anushka Thilakaratne, was unanimously approved.
Two Deputy Co-Chairpersons were also elected. MP Chamindrani Bandara Kiriella assumed the role following a proposal by MP Rohini Wijeratne, supported by MP Thushari Jayasinghe. MP Samanmali Gunasinghe was elected as the second Deputy Co-Chairperson, proposed by MP Krishnan Kalaichelvi and confirmed by MP Deepthi Wasalage.
In her address, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasooriya hailed the growing representation of women in Parliament as a milestone achievement and stressed the need for collaboration beyond political ideologies within the Caucus.
Newly elected Chairperson Minister Saroja Savitri Paulraj emphasized the Caucus’ commitment to creating a safe environment for all women in the country and the importance of its mission.
A sub-committee, co-chaired by the two Deputy Co-Chairpersons, was established to draft plans and programs for the Caucus’ future activities. Additionally, following a proposal by MP Rohini Wijeratne, it was agreed to commemorate December 6th as the Caucus’ observance of the Day against Gender-Based Violence.
The Women Parliamentarians’ Caucus aims to foster cooperation among female legislators while addressing key issues affecting women nationwide.
